Book Review: Pagan Portals - Feminist Witchcraft

Pagan Portals - Feminist Witchcraft is published this month, and it's very good. Susan Harper is both an academic cultural anthropologist and a longstanding practicing Feminist Witch. As the subtitle says, her book offers an introduction to this modern pagan tradition that puts all women at its core. 

The first chapters clearly explain what Feminist Witchcraft is, what it's not, and how it's different from other spiritual and magical paths, including eclectic witchcraft and initiatory Wicca. It won't come as a surprise to many to learn that's because practitioners focus on working with goddesses, largely ignoring the gods. Susan Harper succintly explains the reasons for this, which make a lot of sense. It's empowering for people to honour deities that look like they do. Feeling empowered is an important aspect of the tradition. 

But this path isn't just for women, it is for all who want to fight the patriarchy. The other vital strand of  Feminist Witchcraft is politics - not necessarily party politics, but a recognition that everything one does in society is a political act. Feminist Witches aim to use their power, both magical and social, as a force for change.

Later chapters move on to practical matters - what witches do. This includes outlines of rituals, magick, spellcraft, how to work with the Wheel of the Year, and the phases of the moon. This is more aimed at complete beginners in my opinion, although if you're just starting out you'll find it an excellent set of basic instructions for things like circle work. Those already familiar with modern pagan witchcraft rites in general, will probably skim through and enjoy having a look to see what's different between Feminist Witchcraft and other ways of practicing.

Publisher Moon Books offers this synopsis on its website:

"Are you seeking a spiritual path that blends your love of the Earth, your yearning for magick, and your commitment to justice? Are you curious to know how collective power can change not only ourselves but also our world? Do you want to heal the damage that patriarchy does and then step into your power? Feminist Witchcraft is waiting for you. Across history, witchcraft has been about power - and our world needs empowered people more than ever. This book is here to guide your journey towards a more embodied, politically informed, authentic life. Tapping into our personal and communal power is transformational - both in caring for ourselves and each other and in using our collective will to create a more just and equitable world for all."

I very much enjoyed reading Feminist Witchcraft and will be adopting some of the techniques in my own practice in the future. I thoroughly recommend the book if you want to learn more about the topic, or if you are a witch who wants to do more to change the world.

About the author, Susan Harper

Susan Harper, PhD is an educator, advocate, activist, writer, and ritual specialist in the American Midwest. She holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Southern Methodist University and an MA in Multicultural Women's and Gender Studies from Texas Woman's University. She has been researching and writing about Feminist Witchcraft, Goddess Spirituality, Tarot, and ContemporaryPaganism for more than 30 years.

You can view Pagan Portals - Feminist Witchcraft on Amazon. Please note I earn commission from some links.

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